Think what you will about the two wars that have defined U.S. foreign policy over the past decade; the fact is that more than 1.7 million Americans have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, most of whom will return to civilian life and be faced with unique challenges as they…

USAID is the U.S. organization that provides aid and outreach to foreign nations in need. In Lebanon, USAID is currently investing $34 billion in support of their agriculture and rural community industries. This aid is aimed at providing financing to business, improving trade relations, and improving productivity. A business partner…

The American southwest is home to millions of people. It is also one of the most productive agricultural regions in the word. The west coast provides a temperate climate that is a destination spot for tourist thanks to some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. And the 300…

Hydroponic systems have really evolved over the last several decades. Mediums like rockwool and coco coir have replaced sand and gravel; food grade polyethylene and polypropylene plastics have replaced PVC (polyvinyl chloride); and poor quality fertilizers have been replaced by pharmaceutical grade, easy-to-use nutrients and organic teas.

Humans have been using hydroponics for food production for centuries now. More recently the industry has revolutionized crop production, pushing the limits of what was thought possible. Now farmers use hydroponic systems to bring fresh product to communities that never had access before and during times when it was otherwise…

Currently the U.S. Department of Agriculture subsidizes corn-based ethanol production at a cost to American taxpayers of $6 billion per year. These subsidies, heavily supported by the Secretary of the USDA and Democrats and Republicans alike, are intended to encourage alternative domestic energy production. On the surface, corn-based biofuels would…

These days, “organic” seems to be slapped on the labels of everything from dish soap to cereals to fruit and vegetables. What really qualifies these products as "organic”? With the growing public demand for organic goods, there's always the threat of companies or individuals taking shortcuts and incorporating synthetic substances…

Are you considering starting a hydroponic farm to grow food for local or wholesale markets? If your operation is well set up, from the hydroponic systems to the marketing of the product, hydroponic farms are not only great income producers, but are far more sustainable than virtually all other forms…

The U.S. pays around $20 billion per year directly to farmers in the form of crop subsidies. Crop subsidies are designed to ensure that farms do not go out of business and to make food more affordable. If food is more affordable, not only does it mean that those less…

With so many people, perhaps even you, unemployed and worried about their future, this may be the right time to ask, “Is becoming self-employed my best option?” Hydroponic crop production can offer incredible opportunities for self-employment, to utilize abilities you have and want to express. It’s true, many people still…